Ryan Lam, Principal

 

Ryan Lam began his career teaching 4th grade math at Seaton Elementary School in 2010. From there, he moved into the role of a data coach and in 2015, Mr. Lam transitioned to the assistant principal role at Savoy Elementary School. During his time at Savoy, PARCC scores rose an average of 7% and student satisfaction rose over 25% . Two years later he became the Resident Principal at Whittier Education Campus through the Mary Jane Patterson Fellowship where he designed and implemented a school entry plan, increased the level of family engagement and worked closely with teachers to monitor student level data. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater College, and a master’s degree from Liberty University.

 

Ashley Price, Assistant Principal - Special Education

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Ms. Price's educational career began as a Special Education teacher in North Carolina. While in DCPS, she has served as a middle and high school Special Education teacher. She has spent time as the Special Education Coordinator at Amidon Bowen Elementary School. She is passionate about advocating for students with disabilities and cultivating long term relationships with parents to support their child throughout their educational journey. 

 

As Assistant Principal, she will support students, teachers, and families to build upon HD Cooke's successes, while also working to overcome the challenges faced every day. 

 

Ms. Price is excited to get to know each of you and to work alongside you. It is truly a privilege to be part of this amazing community.

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Keely Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal - Literacy

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Keely Fitzgerald is entering her 11th year in education and 9th year at H.D. Cooke Elementary.

 

At H.D. Cooke, she has taught 2nd through 5th grade, served on several committees, and was an ELA instructional coach.

 

Ms. Fitzgerald holds a bachelor's degree in English and Elementary Education from the College of William and Mary and a master's in Reading Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia. She is passionate about cultivating a love for reading and ensuring students have the skills needed to be fluent and confident readers. One of her favorite things about H.D. Cooke is the relationships she has built with families and students over the years.

 

She is very excited to continue to work with the community she has grown to love as the Assistant Principal of Literacy.

 

Jackie Alvarado, Director of Strategy and Logistics

 

Prior to coming to DCPS in July, she was the Permits and Customer Service Manager with DC Parks and 

Recreation and before that she worked for 12 years at The Washington Post in the newsroom. Ms. Jackie is a graduate of Wilson High School and the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Jackie was born in El Salvador. She lives in DC with her husband, 2 sons.

 

Yolanda Valderrama, Dean of Parent Engagement

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Ms. Yolanda Valderrama-Reyes is originally from Lima-Peru, and a first-generation immigrant. She is a straightforward individual who loves a good sense of humor, often making jokes, and empathetic to other people’s needs. 

 

She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Social Work.  She has been with the District of Columbia Public Schools for over 10 years.  First, as a Family Specialist with the Office of Early Childhood Education, then as an Administrative Officer, and now as a Dean of Students.

 

She is a parent of two kids, and as many other parents would say  “seeing our children happy is one of the best feelings in the world”.  She is very passionate about empowering parents and making them understand the importance of education in their student's life. Parents in different communities have one common goal and is to provide better opportunities for their children, although sometimes language or lack of knowledge proves to be a barrier.